Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Anti Gay Law Returns In India

It’s appalling news that India has taken a giant step backwards on the wrong side of history & brought back a 19th century 153 year-old law criminalizing homosexuality. In 2009 Delhi High court order homosexuality decriminalized. Now police can use the law, which carries a punishment of up to 10 years in jail, to harass members of their LGBT community. Thousands of people have taken to the streets across India in spontaneous protests following this homophobic hateful decision. Amit Dixit Executive Director, South Asian Arts Council & GLAD Board Member stated, “If we are to be considered to be an emerging nation of influence we must first address the fundamental rights of all our citizens. Our culture has always been based on tolerance & many of the great religions in the world have found haven on our sub-continent. Why then should such groups work in collaboration to preach intolerance? I am a proud gay Indian Citizen. I'm very disappointed by this court ruling but firmly believe that light will always prevail over darkness. We are all Gods children & taught that love is unconditional, why then can we just agree on the universality of love”. Though we are confident that this measure will be overturned in time it just goes to show how vulnerable we all are when the majority continues to vote on the civil rights of a minority. This is a sad day for India & for all of humanity.Listen: Michael Petry Talks About His New Art Book & More Hear Audio Interviews w/ LGBT Leaders@OUTTAKE VOICES™OUTTAKE VOICES™ NOW ON HUFF POST...:)SUPPORT OUTTAKE™ @ OUR EQUALITY STOREView Our Historic Short Trailer on Gay Marriage